Police have released CCTV images of 19 individuals wanted in connection with the recent chaos that ensued between Rangers and Celtic fans ahead of the cup final. The violent scenes unfolded in Glasgow city centre, causing distress to Christmas shoppers, as the two sets of supporters clashed before the Old Firm meeting.
Videos circulating on social media captured the Rangers fans, some wearing Santa hats, rampaging through Argyle Street and engaging in altercations with Celtic ultras. This disturbance occurred just hours before the Premier Sports Cup Final at Hampden on Sunday, December 15. Multiple police units responded to the scene as the situation escalated, with pyrotechnic devices being launched and other objects thrown at police officers.
During the chaos, an officer was injured after being hit by a missile, and a 26-year-old man was seriously assaulted in the Argyle Street area. In another incident, a firework was launched inside Gallagher’s Bar, a Celtic pub on Howard Street, resulting in panic among patrons. CCTV footage from the pub showed the firework exploding underneath a table, prompting a swift evacuation.
First Minister John Swinney condemned the disorder as “completely and utterly unacceptable” and stressed that both Celtic and Rangers carry the responsibility to address the actions of their fans. Police had to implement special powers on the day of the Old Firm clash, allowing for increased stop and search activities in specific areas.
Two arrests were made during the match, one for a drugs offence and the other for possession of a pyrotechnic device. Police have now released CCTV images of 19 individuals believed to have been involved in the disturbances, urging anyone with information to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigations.
In summary, the recent clash between Rangers and Celtic fans leading up to the cup final in Glasgow has raised concerns about fan behaviour and public safety. The police are actively seeking information to identify those responsible for the disturbances, underlining the importance of holding individuals to account for their actions in football-related incidents.